As trials of a four-day work week take place around the globe, a study by the University of South Australia has found a link between longer weekends and our well-being – including increased physical activity and better sleep patterns.
How taking time off improves well-being
The study lasted 13 months, during which people took an average of two to three holidays of approximately 12 days. The most popular types of holidays were outdoor recreation (35%), family/social events (31%), relaxation (17%), and non-leisure activities (17%).
By reviewing daily activities before, during, and after these holidays, researchers concluded that people adopted healthier habits while on a short break. Overall, participants engaged in 13% more daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, were 5% less sedentary, and slept 4% more (gaining an additional 21 minutes per day).
Looking at data collected with fitness trackers 24 hours a day for 13 months, researchers also confirmed that the longer the holiday was, the better health benefits participants experienced.
A strong case for four-day work weeks?
Senior researcher Prof. Carol Maher said that this study lends support to the growing movement towards a four-day work week.
“A shorter working week is being trialled by companies all over the world. Not surprisingly, employees reported less stress, burnout, fatigue, as well as better mental health and improved work-life balance,” Prof Maher said. “Importantly, our study also showed that even after a short holiday, people’s increased sleep remained elevated for two weeks, showing that the health benefits of a three-day break can have lasting effects beyond the holiday itself.”
What Kiwis think about it
A survey published by Hays in April 2023 revealed that four in 10 New Zealanders believe the four-day work week will become a reality in just five years. Others expected it to be implemented within the next 12 months (16%) or in a decade (21%), whereas nearly one in four respondents (23%) didn’t believe it would ever be a reality.
Meanwhile, four-day work week schemes seem to be gaining traction, including the 18-month pilot conducted by Unilever New Zealand in 2022. The company reported 33% less stress among employees, 34% lower absenteeism, and 67% better work-life balance, with productivity remaining consistent.
However, as Adam Shapley, managing director of Hays in New Zealand pointed out, many New Zealand employers are still sceptical and think that four-day weeks could potentially lead to lower productivity and higher labour costs. The jury is still out.
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